Written by:	D.T. Metal
Published:	July 01, 2013
Event:	Havok: North American Tour 2013
Location:	Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Galleries:	Havok - Black Sheep, CO Springs, USA - 22nd June 2013 by D.T. Metal (15)

The cat is out of the bag and Havok released their newest album to the masses. The Denver thrashers dedicated an entire weekend to promote Unnatural Selection, with release shows all along the Front Range. Not a bad idea, and to sweeten the deal everybody who bought a ticket also received their new album a couple days ahead of time.

Naturally their first show, Friday night on their home turf, was very well patronized and I was wondering how the second one (and third for that matter) would fare since the chosen towns are not all that far apart. Denver, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins are all within comfortable driving range if one wants to see a show.




Anyway, driving up to the venue I was surprised since the adjoined parking lot was actually full and I had to park on the street - good sign. One of the local openers was still playing when I walked into the Black Sheep and I proceeded on into the back to check out Havok's merch. Wow, they brought the full spread with them; even left over shirts from their recent European tour.

As the night went on, I snagged an interview with guitarist/vocalist David Sanchez right before Havok took the stage. Asking why I didn't rate their album on my recent review, I told him that I refrain from doing so for people I know in real life and am friends with, not like some of the other zines who clearly overdid their sucking up to him. He actually agreed and was wondering the same. Seriously - some of Metal Storm's peers gave Havok's newest piece such ridiculous high ratings, that one has to wonder what their motives were. ;-)

On with the show; by the time Havok took the stage I would say that around 150 people or so were present to witness the gig. I am bad with guesstimating and there might have been more (or less). But despite the rather small showing, everybody had a great time. There were even folks who were at the prior night's gig in Denver in attendance.




Havok is really fun to watch since their energy on stage does transfer to the audience and hence - after a couple of notes the first mosh pit of the night erupted.
And to be honest, the moshing went on for the entire show.

Not much has to be said about their individual skills on stage since they all shred hard and heavy. I believe Reece Scruggs found his own tone of playing and developed a style which he will be known for from here on out. His style was unique and memorable before, but I think it's more developed on the newer songs.

Mr. Weber behind the drums still displays his natural style of drumming (no triggers) and I don't think this will change in the near future. But what did change was the welcome addition of Mike Leon on bass. Not taking anything away from the dude before him, but somehow Mike brings that little extra to the table. Founder, guitarist and front screamer David Sanchez brought his a-game that night as well and I am glad that his vision to become a nationally (and international btw) recognized band did become reality.

The set list in no particular order and from what I remember was: "Covering Fire", "Point Of No Return", "Give Me Liberty?Or Give Me Death", "Scumbag In Disguise", "Worse Than War", "Fatal Intervention", "I Am The State", "From The Cradle To The Grave", "D.O.A.", "Unnatural Selection", "Afterburner" and maybe one or two more.

For upcoming tour dates please check their profile.